Beirut – Lebanon has established a new government, a move seen as a crucial step toward unlocking reconstruction funds after the country endured a destructive conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The formation process, which concluded on Saturday, was marked by an unprecedented level of U.S. intervention.
At a press conference held at the presidential palace, newly appointed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam introduced his 24-member cabinet, emphasizing that their primary focus would be financial reforms, reconstruction efforts, and the enforcement of a key United Nations resolution aimed at stabilizing the border with Israel.
The government’s formation followed over three weeks of negotiations between Lebanon’s rival political factions, a process complicated by the country’s sectarian-based power-sharing system. A significant point of contention was the appointment of Shi’ite ministers, traditionally selected by Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement.
However, Washington firmly opposed Hezbollah’s influence in the new administration. U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus stated on Friday that Hezbollah’s participation was a “red line,” praising Israel’s military actions against the group—a statement that sparked protests in Lebanon.
Despite U.S. objections, Hezbollah’s ally Amal, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, was permitted to nominate four cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, and endorse a fifth. The next step for the newly formed government will be to draft a policy statement, outlining its strategic priorities, before seeking a vote of confidence in Lebanon’s parliament to gain full authority.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who was elected on January 9 and previously held U.S. backing as army commander, nominated Salam for the prime ministerial role shortly after taking office. Prior to this, Salam served as the head of the International Court of Justice.
His appointment marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s political landscape, following Israel’s recent strikes against Hezbollah, the December ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key Hezbollah ally, and Aoun’s unexpected election victory.